Nothing Phone 1 Explained

Nothing Phone (1)
Codename:Spacewar
Manufacturer:Nothing
Colors:White, black
Networks:GSM, HSPA, LTE, and 5G
Successor:Nothing Phone 2
Type:Smartphone
Form:Slate
Size:NaNmm
Weight:193.5g
Soc:Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+[1]
Gpu:Adreno 642L
Memory:8 or 12 GB LPDDR5
Storage:128 or 256 GB UFS 3.1
Sim:Dual
Battery:4500 mAh
Display:6.55inches OLED touchscreen with HDR10+ support with a 120 Hz refresh rate
Front Camera:16 MP, ƒ/2.45, 1/3.1"
1080p@30 fps
Sound:Dual stereo speakers
Water Resist:IP53
References:[2] [3]

The Nothing Phone (1) is an Android smartphone by the company named Nothing. The phone was announced on 23 March 2022 and went on sale on 21 July 2022.[4]

History

Nothing was founded in October 2020. It was announced on January 27, 2021, by former OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei, three months after Pei had left OnePlus. The goal of the new company was to "remove barriers between people and technology to create a seamless digital future." While no product was announced at the time, the company announced that new products from the company would be released later in the year.[5] [6]

After Nothing released their first product, the Ear (1), Nothing announced a partnership with Qualcomm, which will allow them to use their Snapdragon chips in their future devices.[7]

Speculation on Nothing's first smartphone began to rise in March 2022 during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, when the company showed its prototype to executives, including Qualcomm.[8] After securing up to $70 million in Series B financing, Nothing announced its March 23 keynote,[9] [10] at which it would announce its first smartphone.[2]

On June 20, 2022, Nothing revealed the design of the Nothing Phone (1) at the Art Basel Show in Basel, Switzerland. Nothing also confirmed that another event would take place on July 12 to announce additional information regarding the Phone (1), including pricing and specs.[11] [12]

On July 12, 2022, the phone was released during an online event. The phone's slogan was "Pure Instinct".[13]

Release

Nothing has announced partnerships with O2 in the United Kingdom, Deutsche Telekom in Germany, and Flipkart in India to release the phone, with the phone to be released exclusively in the UK on O2 and Germany on Deutsche Telekom.[14] When asked about releasing the phone to the North American market, the company confirmed that the phone would not be released in North America. Although the company has confirmed that Nothing has plans to release a smartphone for the North American market, the Phone (1) will instead be distributed to private investors through a closed beta program.[15]

Pre-orders for the UK and Germany began on June 24, 2022, via invitation only with private community members going first, with customers who wanted to pre-order the phone required to pay £20/€20 to purchase the phone by July.[16] [17] In January 2023, Nothing announced a United States launch as a "beta program" to test the release of Android 13 on the device; "beta members" will pay US$299 and receive a phone with limited connectivity on US networks.[18]

Design

The Phone (1) features a transparent design, similar to that of the company's other products, such as the Nothing Ear (1).[19] It has flat sides, similar to the iPhone 12, and an IP53 splash, water, and dust resistance rating.

The design features 900 small LEDs on the back which uses the Glyph Interface to make rear LEDs light up in sync with the phone sounds. These 'glyph lights' also light up to show the phone's charging status. The phone's frame consists of recycled aluminum with additional plastic components that are 50% made from bio-based or post-consumer recycled materials.[12] The display is protected by Gorilla Glass 5 and the phone is covered with Gorilla Glass 6. There is an in-display fingerprint sensor as well.

The phone has stereo speakers but does not come with a headphone jack. The phone supports Bluetooth 5.2 and NFC capabilities. The phone comes in white and black colors.

Hardware

The Phone (1) is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+ processor[2] [20] and has a 6.5 inch 1080 x 2400 resolution punch hole display screen with a 120 Hz refresh rate. The screen can get as bright as 1200 nits and supports displaying 1 billion colors. The phone has a 4500 mAh battery, with 33W charging,[21] which is capable of charging the phone from 0 to 50% in 30 minutes and a full charge in 70 minutes.[22] It also features 15W wireless charging, 5W reverse-wireless charging, and supports Quick Charge 4.0 and Power Delivery 3.0 up to 33W. It can be configured with either 8+128, 8+256, or 12+256 RAM and storage configurations.[23]

The phone has dual 50-megapixel main and ultra-wide cameras. The main camera supports both optical image stabilization and electronic image stabilization and is capable of recording 4K video at 30 fps and FHD video at 60 fps.[24] The phone does not have a dedicated telephoto lens, and instead uses digital zoom to take close-up shots. There is a red LED on the back of the phone that lights up when video is recorded.

Software

Nothing OS
Nothing OS
Logo Caption:Logo used since 2022
Developer:Nothing
Family:Android (Based on Linux)
Working State:Current
Released:Nothing OS 1.0 (Based on Android 12 "Snow Cone"
Latest Release Version:Nothing OS 2.5.3 (Based on Android 14)
Latest Preview Version:Nothing OS 1.5 Beta 2 (hotfixes) (Based on Android 13)
Update Model:OTA (over-the-air)

The Phone (1) runs on Nothing OS. Nothing OS was tested and found to be near-stock Android, with some tweaks to ensure that the phone would provide "a fast, smooth, and personal experience." The phone will receive at least three years of software updates and four years of security updates.[3] [25]

Nothing OS is an Android skin developed by Nothing for the Nothing Phone (1).[26] [27]

Features

It uses a dot-matrix font used by the company in the majority of its products.[28] [29]

Nothing OS uses a stock Android look and feel tuned up to the company preference.

Nothing claims that Nothing OS is bloatware free, the only manufacturer modified apps are the Nothing Camera and Nothing voice recorder and a lot of added features. The main features are promised Tesla integration and a glyph interface.[30] [31]

Version 1.5

History

On 23 March 2022 during Nothing's keynote speech on their first smartphone, Nothing announced their Android-based operating system, Nothing OS.[26]

Nothing OS 1.1.8 was released on 19 January 2023, bringing the January 2023 Android security patches.[32]

Nothing OS 1.5 Beta 1 was released on 16 December 2022, powered by Android 13.[33] [34] [35] [36] It received its second beta update on 13 January 2023.[37] [38] The second beta received bug fixes on 18 January 2023.[39] It has improved performance and glyph interface. It started to get rolled out to the public as Nothing OS 1.5.2 on 16 February 2023, this update introduces a new weather app, and other features, including improvements to the performance and other Android 13 features, like Android's new QR Code reader, according to The Verge.[40] [41] [42] [43] It was officially released to the public on 22 February 2023, via a press release by Nothing. Tech Outlook leaked the new OS one day before its launch, which was on 21 February 2023. GSMArena and Nixgle said: "The Nothing OS 1.5 update comes in at 1.25GB and offers plentiful new features and optimizations including a new weather app, new media controls, more glyph interface options and improvements to the camera interface."[44] [45] [46] [47] [48] [49] [50]

Nothing OS 1.5.3 was released on 14 March 2023, bringing Nothing Ear 2 support, February 2023 patches and more features.[51]

Nothing OS 1.5.4 was released on 5 May 2023, bringing three new features. First, users can send feedback to Nothing about the software experience from within the phone. The Bluetooth functionality in Quick Settings gives quick access to paired devices. Plus, users can now scan UPI QR codes with the camera app and make payments directly. It also brings system improvements and bug fixes.[52]

Nothing was set to launch Nothing OS 2.0 on the phone at the end of August 2023.[53] This comes after Pei had announced plans to roll out the new version of the Phone 1 in August.[54]

Reception

Engadget named the phone "a very remarkable Android mid-ranger".[55] The attention to detail in the phone was praised. Overall, they gave it a rating of 88/100.

Many early purchasers have complained about green tinting and dead pixels on their screens. Nothing stated that they would calibrate the display effect in an upcoming software update and encouraged affected customers to contact customer support and request replacements.[56]

The Nothing Phone (1) received a very low repairability score of 4 out of 10 in a video review.[57]

Glyph Interface

File:Nothing Phone (Glyph bug).gif|Glyph bugFile:Nothing Phone (Glyph molitor).gif|Glyph molitorFile:Nothing Phone (Glyph pepelu).gif|Glyph pepeluFile:Nothing Phone (Glyph karha).gif|Glyph karhaFile:Nothing Phone (Glyph radiate).gif|Glyph radiateFile:Nothing Phone (Glyph beetle).gif|Glyph beetleFile:Nothing Phone (Glyph pneumatic).gif|Glyph pneumatic

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Wong. Raymond. Exclusive: Nothing Phone (1) uses mid-range Snapdragon 778G+ chip. Input. BDG Media. 29 June 2022.
  2. Nothing phone (1) Coming Summer 2022. Nothing Technology Limited. March 23, 2022.
  3. News: Brown. C. Scott. Nothing Phone 1 is company's first phone, landing with Android-based Nothing OS. Android Authority. March 23, 2022.
  4. News: Porter. Jon. Nothing officially announces flashy Phone 1, starting at £399. The Verge. Vox Media. July 12, 2022.
  5. Here Comes Nothing. Nothing Technology Limited. January 27, 2022.
  6. Web site: Porter. Jon. 2021-01-27. OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei's next company is literally called Nothing. 2021-06-08. The Verge. en.
  7. News: Carl Pei's Nothing raises $50 mln, partners with Qualcomm. Reuters. October 13, 2021.
  8. News: Singh. Manish. Heater. Briant. Carl Pei's Nothing is working on a smartphone. TechCrunch. Yahoo. March 2, 2022.
  9. Nothing locks $70M Series B financing, and announces 23 March event. Nothing Technology Company. March 9, 2022.
  10. News: Heater. Brian. Money for Nothing and chips from a Series B. TechCrunch. Yahoo. March 9, 2022.
  11. Web site: Porter . Jon . 2022-06-15 . Nothing reveals Phone 1 design a month early . 2022-06-22 . The Verge . en.
  12. Nothing reveals phone (1) design at Art Basel. Nothing Technology Limited. 16 June 2022.
  13. Web site: Nothing Phone (1) . 2022-07-28 . Nothing Intl . en.
  14. Nothing announces key sales partnerships for phone (1). Nothing Technology Limited. 10 May 2022.
  15. News: Segan. Sascha. Nothing Confirms Phone (1) Will Not Be Coming to US . PC Mag. 22 June 2022.
  16. News: Fingas. Jon. Nothing Phone 1 pre-order reservations start today. Engadget. Yahoo. 24 June 2022.
  17. News: Schroeder. Stan. Nothing Phone 1 preorder reservations are now open. Mashable. 24 June 2022.
  18. News: Nothing Phone 1 comes to US via $299 beta program . Porter, Jon . January 10, 2023 . The Verge . 10 January 2023.
  19. News: Brown. C. Scott. Official Nothing Phone 1 design details announced, including transparent case. Android Authority. Authority Media. May 24, 2022.
  20. Web site: Wong. Raymond. Exclusive: Nothing Phone (1) uses mid-range Snapdragon 778G+ chip. Input. BDG Media. 29 June 2022.
  21. Web site: Lucic . Kristijan . 2022-07-12 . Nothing Phone (1) Supports Wired & Wireless Charging, But Doesn't Include A Charger . 2022-07-13 . Android Headlines . en-US.
  22. https://www.diyfixtool.com/blogs/news/nothing-phone-1-review-buy-or-not
  23. Web site: Porter . Jon . 2022-07-12 . Nothing officially announces flashy Phone 1, starting at £399 . 2022-07-13 . The Verge . en.
  24. Web site: 2022-07-12 . Nothing Has Officially Launched its Phone, and It's Too Bad It's Not Coming to The U.S. . 2022-07-13 . Gizmodo . en-us.
  25. News: Wan. June. Nothing phone (1): First look, features, and everything announced. ZDNet. Red Ventures. March 23, 2022.
  26. Nothing phone (1) Coming Summer 2022. Nothing Technology Limited. March 23, 2022.
  27. News: Brown. C. Scott. Nothing Phone 1 is company's first phone, landing with Android-based Nothing OS. Android Authority. March 23, 2022.
  28. Web site: Hall . Chris . 2022-03-22 . This is what Nothing OS looks like and you'll be able to test it yourself in April . 2023-02-05 . Pocket-lint . en.
  29. Web site: Vonau . Manuel . 2022-06-12 . Nothing Phone 1 review: Premium design meets midrange everything else . 2023-02-05 . Android Police . en.
  30. Web site: 2022-07-20 . What is Nothing OS? . 2023-02-05 . Trusted Reviews . en.
  31. Web site: Hazarika . Skanda . 2022-07-20 . Nothing Phone 1 receives Nothing OS 1.1.0 update with July 2022 patches and camera improvements . 2023-02-05 . XDA Developers . en.
  32. Web site: Hazarika . Skanda . 2023-01-19 . Nothing Phone 1 picks up January 2023 patches with Nothing OS 1.1.8 . 2023-02-22 . XDA Developers . en.
  33. Web site: Nothing OS 1.5 (powered by Android 13) . 2023-02-05 . Nothing Australia . 15 December 2022 . en.
  34. Web site: Chauhan . Vivek . 2022-12-16 . Nothing Phone (1) Android 13-based Nothing OS 1.5 Beta update rolls out: changelog, new features . 2023-02-21 . en-US.
  35. Web site: Porter . Jon . 2022-12-15 . Nothing starts opening up its Android 13 beta for the Phone 1 . 2023-02-21 . The Verge . en-US.
  36. Web site: Hazarika . Skanda . 2022-12-15 . Nothing Phone 1 jumps on the Android 13 bandwagon with Nothing OS 1.5 open beta . 2023-02-21 . XDA Developers . en.
  37. Web site: Nothing Phone (1) gets second Android 13 beta . 2023-02-21 . GSMArena.com . en-US.
  38. Web site: Cantisano . Timi . 2023-01-13 . Nothing OS 1.5 Open Beta 2 arrives with a slew of enhancements . 2023-02-21 . XDA Developers . en.
  39. Web site: Hazarika . Skanda . 2023-01-18 . Nothing Phone 1 gets one step closer to receiving stable Android 13 update . 2023-02-21 . XDA Developers . en.
  40. Web site: Hazarika . Skanda . 2023-02-16 . Nothing Phone 1 finally gets stable Android 13 — with a month-old security patch . 2023-02-21 . XDA Developers . en.
  41. Web site: Nothing starts rolling out a stable Android 13 update for the Phone (1) . 2023-02-21 . GSMArena.com . en-US.
  42. Web site: Chauhan . Vivek . 2023-02-17 . Nothing Phone 1 Android 13 stable update rollout begins . 2023-02-21 . en-US.
  43. Web site: Johnson . Allison . 2023-02-17 . Good for Nothing: Phone 1's stable Android 13 release is starting to arrive . 2023-02-21 . The Verge . en-US.
  44. Web site: 2023-02-20 . Nothing will reveal more about Nothing OS 1.5 update tomorrow: Here's what we know so far . 2023-02-21 . The Tech Outlook . en-US.
  45. Web site: Upgrade to Nothing OS 1.5. Powered by Android 13. . 2023-02-21 . Nothing Australia . 21 February 2023 . en.
  46. Web site: Android 13-based Nothing OS 1.5 now seeding to everyone . 2023-02-21 . GSMArena.com . en-US.
  47. Web site: Jewiss . Connor . 2023-02-21 . Nothing OS 1.5 rolls out, bringing Android 13 to Nothing Phone 1 . 2023-02-21 . Stuff . en-US.
  48. Web site: Henderson . Rik . 2023-02-21 . Nothing Phone (1) finally gets full Android 13 rollout with Nothing OS 1.5 . 2023-02-22 . Pocket-lint . en.
  49. Web site: Srinivas . Rahul . 2023-02-21 . Nothing Phone 1 Gets Android 13-Powered OS 1.5 Update - Here's What It Includes . 2023-02-22 . SlashGear . en-US.
  50. Web site: 2023-03-03 . Nothing Phone (1) receives update based on Android 13 : Here's what we know so far . 2023-03-04 . The Tech Outlook . en-US.
  51. Web site: Cantisano . Timi . 2023-03-14 . Nothing OS 1.5.3 brings Ear (2) support, February 2023 patches, and more . 2023-04-01 . XDA Developers . en.
  52. Web site: Rasool . Faisal . 2023-05-07 . Nothing Phone 1 update delivers new features, system improvements, and bug fixes . 2023-05-08 . XDA Developers . en.
  53. Web site: Kundu . Kishalaya . 2023-08-22 . Update: Nothing OS 2.0 for Phone 1 is rolling out now . 2023-09-02 . XDA Developers . en.
  54. Web site: Cantisano . Timi . 2023-06-13 . Nothing Phone 1 will get the Nothing OS 2.0 treatment in August . 2023-09-02 . XDA Developers . en.
  55. Web site: Nothing Phone 1 Review . 2022-07-18 . Engadget . en-US.
  56. News: Sharma . Adamya . July 19, 2022 . Nothing Phone 1 is glowing green for some (Updated with Nothing statement) . Android Authority.
  57. https://www.gadgets360.com/mobiles/news/nothing-phone-1-bend-scratch-test-durability-jerryrigeverything-teardown-video-repairability-score-3213668 Nothing Phone 1 Narrowly Passes Durability Test, Gets Poor Repairability Score in Teardown Video